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Israel... right in your back yard!
In 1998, the Federation Israeli Young Emissary program was piloted in Westport as a way to build a living bridge between Israel and diaspora Jewish communities. And for 21-1/2 years, until COVID-19 forced a hiatus, our community hosted four recent Israeli high-school graduates who served for an academic year as young "ambassadors," postponing their Israeli military service to share their love of Israel with our preschools and religious schools, adult-education programs, local high schools and dayschools, and Jewish Senior Services. This wonderful opportunity was made possible through our Federation’s partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel.
In fall 2022, Federation got innovative and brought back Ofek Moscovich, who had served as a Young Emissary in our community in 2017-18. Having completed his time in the Israel Defense Forces, headed up Israel education at Camp Ramah New England, and traveled throughout South America, Ofek brings a wealth of insight, experience, and creativity to his new/old role of Federation Israel Emissary. He's up to a lot! Check out his Facebook page or reach out at ofek@shalomct.org.
For more information on the Emissary program, please contact Stacy Kamisar: stacy@shalomct.org.
An Israeli Emissary Returns ‘Home’ to Connecticut to Serve Again
Ofek served as a Jewish Agency ShinShin (service year Israeli emissary) in Greater Fairfield, Connecticut, in 2017-18. Five years later, he’s back as a Shaliach (Israeli emissary) in the community he considers his ‘second home.’
